Teamwork

A Dalat student collaborates effectively by being a flexible, adaptable, and responsible team player.

Being part of a team is such an integral component in our lives today. However, successful team members have to learn to put the good of the team before their own. They need to adapt to the will and desires of others. They also need to follow through on the commitments they have made to their team.

This month, I see our students engaged in many team activities and are hopefully learning these necessary skills. The soccer and track teams are both traveling to their big tournaments this week. Even though track and field is considered an “individual sport,” one person could not possibly do all of the events, not to mention the relays. It takes a well-balanced team to achieve success. I am saddened that we have students who were unable to travel with the teams this week due to injuries or visa challenges. Both the students missing the event and the rest of the team will grieve in their own way and learn to adapt to the new challenges put in front of them.

The juniors are also hard at work on JSB (Junior Senior Banquet). Again, there is no way one person could pull off this event. It takes everyone using their own talents, be it in organizing, planning, creating, acting, painting, or encouraging others. The students quickly learn that if one person doesn’t follow through on their task, it will hold up another person or group.

The drama cast is also in the final stages of preparing for their performances this month. Without a full cast, it would be a one-man show, which is definitely not the same thing. The directors have been diligent about teaching the students that the drama team is not only the on-stage cast but also the people handling sets, costumes, lights, sound, and many other details. Again, the students will learn to be flexible and supportive of one another.

Our music groups are also preparing for their final performances of the year. One of the great things about middle school band is that almost the entire class participates and works towards a common goal. Every instrument and part has a role to play, and the contributions of each not only impact the overall performance but also the way other individuals play their parts. The choir is also working on a performance, using their voices as instruments. The magnificent harmonies would not be the same with a solo performance.

It’s always exciting to see the final performance or product of these big, semester-long group efforts. And while there is joy in that, the real learning takes place during the preparation phase. So, as your kids play that piece yet again, finish a project, or go out for one more training run, try to encourage them and remind them that they are part of a team. Help them to be responsible in doing their part, but also flexible as they adjust to their teammates and circumstances of life.